How educated are Hungarians? A look at the latest data
Hungary has seen a significant rise in education levels over the past two decades, according to the latest census data. In 2022, one in four Hungarians aged 15 and above had completed higher education—a remarkable jump from just 12% in 2001. The total number of university or college graduates doubled to 1.8 million during this period.
In addition to this, roughly one-third of the population had finished secondary school with a school-leaving exam (érettségi), while the proportion of those with only a primary school education dropped to 23%. This marks steady progress in national education levels. However, regional differences remain striking.
How many Hungarians have a degree?
The highest concentration of degree holders is found in Budapest and its surrounding areas, as well as in major university towns like Szeged, Pécs, and Debrecen. Similarly, regions around Lake Balaton and Lake Velence also showed above-average growth in the number of diploma holders. In contrast, several rural towns and villages, especially in northeastern counties like Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, still have high proportions of residents with only primary education or less. In some small settlements, over half the population had not completed secondary school.
A notable portion of the adult population (20%) held vocational qualifications without an érettségi. These individuals were most commonly found in western counties like Tolna and Veszprém, and in eastern regions such as Békés County.
The data also reveal an ageing education gap: in areas where the population is older, lower education levels are more prevalent. This trend contributes to stark contrasts between more urbanised, youthful regions and ageing, less educated rural areas, NövekedĂ©s writes based on the Hungarian Statistical Office’s NĂ©pszámlálási Atlasz.
Hungarians’ language skills
Language skills among Hungarians have also improved over the past decade. English is now the most commonly spoken foreign language, with every fourth person in the country reporting some level of proficiency. The number of English speakers has grown by 53% since 2011. German remains the second most spoken foreign language, understood by 1.2 million people. Other commonly spoken languages include Russian, French, and Romanian.
Overall, the statistics highlight both encouraging progress and ongoing challenges. While Hungary has made great strides in raising educational attainment and foreign language knowledge, regional and generational inequalities persist. Bridging these gaps remains a key task for the country.
Read also:
- Multiple Hungarian universities in the world’s top 5%, one in the top 1%!
- Hungarian universities were excluded from Erasmus — Government now promotes replacement on Wizz Air plane
Featured image: depositphotos.com
NEXT question please.
REMEMBER – the Hungarian population, an “ageing” declining in number population.
REMEMBER – knowing that EDUCATION opens Windows of OPPORTUNITIES – that “thrown” into the “statistics” data – referred in this article, which continues to DAMAGE our country, is those, that have Higher Education – Diplomas and Degrees – “qualifications of recognition & acceptance – outside of Hungary, a HIGH negativity re-mains in there “thought process” in the belief of there FUTURE – to remain in Hungary factually, across the board – presents gargantuan CHALLENGES in the development of there careers and opportunities, inclusive of quality of life standards.
Orban and his Fidesz Government – have FAILED to PRIORITIZE in INVESTING into Education in Hungary.
Orban and his Fidesz Government – the “on-going” postion of separation with Educators/Education in Hungary, the “veiled” truth & fact, that the Orban – Fidesz Government, like they DO, that control the media, the judiciary, rule under decree – that Orban and his Fidesz Government want to control EDUCATION.
Orbans “mate” in the Oval Office – just follow HIS “attack” – the agenda path its on – in relation to Education in the United States of America – CRAZED.
The “pseudonym” commentator numbers of under name of Michael Steiner, especially the individual of them, who “claims” to have (4) four Masters Degrees, wonder what, never forgetting there comments are DROWNED in Fidesz “blood” – what THEY have to “mouth off” ???
We don’t need college graduates with B.A.s in B.S.
We need graduates in S.T.E.M. but we also need auto mechanics, physical therapists, plumbers, cooks, carpenters, electricians, stonemasons, farmers, etc.
Stop emphasizing college education. It’s not right for everyone, nor is it always desirable. Vocational training is often far more needed and useful.
Steiner nailed it – ji cant soeak for hungary , in the US and many of its once great universities are maxist indoctrination camps. Many business now are less interested in your degrees then work ethic, ambition and common sense. Many of the most successful people never went to or dropped out of college. Everything you want to know is available for free on line, it just needs to be organized to make it easy to learn.. the US is working to make it happen.
Didn’t i just read where one of your main universities was protesting social issues.
See CEU – Soros funded joke.